The Chottanikkara Temple is a famous temple of the Hindumother goddess Bhagawati. The temple is located nearErnakulamin the southern Indian state of Kerala and is one of the most popular temples in the state and in terms of temple architecture,this temple stands out to be an ultimate testmonial for the ancient vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculpture) in sculpting this temple along with<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabarimala" target="_blank" title="Sabarimala">Sabarimala.

About House Boat

Settle down in the houseboat at 12.pm which is literally a floating luxury house. Enjoy the natural landscape interlaced with greenish paddy fields, palm trees, lagoons &amp; canals. In the houseboat you will be served with delicious Kerala cuisines also. Spend the night in the houseboat luxuries.

Day 3 : 9am :Alleppey- Kovalam : 158 km : 4 hours

Night Stay :Kovalam

Activities :Transfer to Kovalam. Visit Thiruvanathapuram city and Beach recreations, Sun set watching in Kovalam Beach in the afternoon. Overnight stay at Hotel / Resort.

About Kovalam

Kovalam offers an excellent diversity with Kovalam beach to suit all desires and occasions. Three curve shaped beaches, alienated by stony outcroppings, from the major attraction of this coastal resort.Kovalamhas three beaches - crescent in shape and separated from each other by rocky outcroppings. The most well-liked of the three beaches is theLighthouse Beach. The northernSamudra beachhas a couple of primitive wooden vessels for fishing.Hawah beachis located in between the other two beaches.

Kanyakumari is located at the southernmost tip of peninsular India. It is the place where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. Kanyakumari is visited by thousands of tourists from all over India throughout the year. The place Kanyakumari is known so due to the temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Kumari. Kanyakumari was referred by the British as Cape Comorin. Kanyakumari is one of the important Hindu pilgrimage center due to the famous temple of Kanyakumari. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beaches here. From the Kanyakumari one can view spectacular sunrise and sunset.

As a port city Tuticorin has one of the major attractions in the form of Tuticorin Port, which is strategically built to handle a host of international cargoes. Well protected from the ravages of impending storms and cyclonic winds, you can witness the sight of the cargoes loading and unloading, which is indeed worth a treat amidst the surging sea expanse.

Tuticorin has Tiruchendur Temple, dedicated to Lord Subramanya; it offers a spectacular sight with a mystical aura having the sea at the backdrop. You can also visitPanchalankurichiat about 18 km from Tuticorin where the great warrior Katta Bomman known as &quot;Veerapandiya Kattabomman&quot; put up resistance against the British regime in the 17th Century AD.

Thoothukudi is also known as Tuticorin. Thoothukudi is famous for shrine basilica Our Lady of Snows festival (snows basilica, ols), it is celebrated on August 5th as a 10 days of function.

Tiruchendur Temple

This temple is one of the six Aarupadai veedu shrines of Murugan, which is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. A spectacular sight for tourists, the temple presents a mystical aura with the sea at the backdrop.

Day 6 : 8am : Tuticorin- Rameswaram : 178 km : 6 hours

Night Stay : Rameswaram

Activities : Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple, Gandhamadana Parvatam

AboutRameswaram

Rameswaramis a town in Ramanathapuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on Pamban Island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is about 50 kilometres from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, is connected to mainland India by the Pamban Bridge. Together with Kashi, it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus, and part of the Char Dhampilgrimages. Hence, it is a bustling pilgrimcentre.

Ramanathaswamy Temple

As a pristine example of late Dravidian architecture, the Ramanathaswamy temple attracts pilgrims in hordes. This is most renowned for its magnificent corridors lined with massive sculptured pillars that have elaborate design, style and rich carving. According to legends, Rama sanctified this place by worshipping Siva here after the battle of Sri Lanka. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the inner sanctum.

Gandhamadana Parvatam

About a mile and a half west of the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Gandhamadana Parvatam offers a panoramic view of the countryside. It has stepped mandapam or hall and also treasures a footprint that is believed to be of Lord Rama.

Day 7 : 8am : Rameswaram- Madurai : 160 km : 6 hours

Night Stay : Madurai

Activities : Temple Visit

Meenakshi Amman Templeis a historic Hindu temple located in the south side of river Vaigaiin the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Parvati who is known as Meenakshi and her consort, Shiva named here as Sundareswarar(beautiful deity). The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old cityof Madurai. The complex houses 14 gopurams(gateway towers) ranging from 45-50m in height, the tallest being the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170ft) high,and two golden sculptured vimana(shrine) over sanctum of the main deities. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is built during 1623 to 1655 CE.

Day 8 : 8am : Madurai- Kodaikanal : 120 km : 5 hours

Night Stay : Kodaikanal

Activities : Local Siteseeing

About Kodaikanal

A magnificent star-shaped lake glitters like a jewel amidst the emerald green wooded slopes. This 24 hectare lake is skirted by 5 Kms long, black tapped road is focal point of kodai, This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge, who was the collector of Madurai, retired and settled in kodai.

Shenbaganur Museum

This museum is maintained by the Sacred Heart College Theological Seminary founded in 1895. It is devoted to archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills. One of the best orchidoriums in the country with more that 300 species of orchids is also housed here. It is about 5.6 Kms from the lake. A Spanish Father Ugarthe, contributed his major collections to the Museum. Entrance fee Rs one per head. Working hours 10 A.M to 11.30 A.M and 3P.M to 5P.M

Silver Cascade

8 Kms from the lake. The overflow of Kodai lake comedown here as 180 feet high falls. If the water temperature suits, tourist can take bath.

Day 9 : 8am : Kodaikanal Siteseeing : 80 km : 3 hours

Night Stay : Kodaikanal

Activities : Local Siteseeing

Coaker's Walk

A kilometre's walk from the lake. It derives the name Lt. Coaker, who prepared the map of Kodai. Coaker's Walk runs along a steep, emerald green wooded slope. From Coaker's Walk one can have a breath-taking view of the plains below.

Bryant Park

This park is situated on the eastern side of the lake. It is noted for flowers, hybrids and grafts, Cut flowers are exported from here.A glass house which shelters fine varieties of flowers, Flower show is conducted every year in May as part of summer festival.

Green Valley View

It is about 5.5 Kms from the lake and located very close to Golf club, it commands a beautiful view of entire vaigai dam, As the valley is very deep, dense and dangerous, recommended to see with precautionary measures.

Kurinji Andavar Temple

3 kms from the lake. A famous shrine dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is associated with the Kuriniji flowers which carpet at hill sides blooms once in 12 years. Also Kurinji means hill region in Tamil literature. Andavar means God. Hence Lord Muruga is referred as God of Hill here. From this temple one can see a view of Palani and Vaigai Dam.

Varathamanathi Dam, Near Palani

A picnic spot where children can amuse themselves. It is on the way to Thekkanthottam and about 7 km from Palani. you can reach there by city buses and buses bound for<u><a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Kodaikanal" target="_blank" title="Kodaikanal">Kodaikanal.</u>

Day 10 : 8am : Kodaikanal- Palani : 80 km : 3 hours

Night Stay : Palani

Activities : Temples visit and Shopping

About Palani Temple

The Hill Temple of Palani is one of the most famous temples of Murugan in India. The Temple is situated upon the higher of the two hills of Palani, known as the Sivagiri. Traditionally, access to it was by the main staircase cut into the hill-side or by theyanai-padhaior elephant's path, used by the ceremonial elephants. Pilgrims bearing water for the ritual bathing of the idol, and the priests, would use another way also carved into the hill-side but on the opposite side. Over the past half-century, three funicular railwaytracks have been laid up the hill for the convenience of the pilgrims, and supplemented by a rope-way within the past decade.

Other places to visit in Palani

Tiru Avinankudi Templeis in the foot of the Palani Hills. This is oldest and largest temple. Usually before going to the main hill temple, devotees visit this temple.

Periyanayaki amman kovil or Aanai Kovilis one of the oldest temples in Palani. This temple is carved out of stones. There won't be much crowd in this temple.

A unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. Their total number here would be less than 200. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, elephants, spotted deer, sambar, hanuman langur and even peacocks can be spotted on either side of the road.

About Marayur Muniyaras

Marayoor houses the &lsquo;muniyaras&rsquo; or the stone coffins with underground tunnels, which date back to the Neolithic period. These cave-like structures resting on vertical rocks are present everywhere - they are stone slabs resembling crudely-made boxes. There are paintings depicting the legendary wanderings of &lsquo;Rama and Sita' and the 'Pandavas' inside the caves.

About Marayur Sandalwoods

Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with a natural growth of sandalwood trees. Sandalwood, the famous aromatic wood is yielded by the family of trees belonging to the genus Santalum. Sandalwood paste is integral to rituals and ceremonies, to mark religious utensils and to decorate the icons of the deities worshipped. It is also distributedthereafter to devotees, who apply it to the forehead or the neck and chest. Preparation of the paste is considered a duty fit only for the pure, and is therefore entrusted in temples and during ceremonies only to priests.

About Rajamalai

The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr ,Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.

Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.

Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave.

Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar)

Situated at a height of 1700 Mts ,Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-swiss live stock project. Over 100 varietes of high yielding cattle are reared here.Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm

The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Pothamedu View Point (6 km from Munnar)

Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

After breakfast leave from Munnar to Guruvayoor. Enroute sightseeing: Attukad water falls, Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls. Check in to the Hotel / Resort at Munnar. Tea museum visit and Shopping in the evening.

Attukad Waterfalls (9 km from Munnar)

A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Guruvayur Temple

Guruvayur Sri Krshna Templeis a<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu" target="_blank" title="Hindu">Hindutemple dedicated to<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna" target="_blank" title="Krishna">god Krshna, located in the town of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guruvayur" target="_blank" title="Guruvayur">Guruvayur. It is one of the most important places of worship for<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindus" target="_blank" title="Hindus">Hindusof<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala" target="_blank" title="Kerala">Keralaand is often referred to as &quot;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaikuntha" target="_blank" title="Vaikuntha">Bhuloka Vaikunta&quot; which translates to the &quot;Holy Abode of god<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu" target="_blank" title="Vishnu">Vishnuon Earth&quot;.

Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary

Punnathur Kotta is the place where around 60 elephants, all belonging to Guruvayoor shrine are kept or in other words it is the official stable of Guruvayoor temple elephants. Located at a distance of 4km from Guruvayoor, Punnathur Kotta is regarded as one of world&rsquo;s largest elephant parks. The elephants of all ages are housed here which are trained for temple festivals by the temple management that includes the popular &lsquo;Elephants race&rsquo; that takes place within the confines of the temple. One may also watch the traditional medical treatments provided to the sick elephants. Indeed a must see for all visiting the sacred shrine

It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Chera King, Cheran Senkuttuvan. It is famous for its Bharani and Thalappoli festival. The temple requires the pilgrim to carry pepper and turmeric powder as one of the offerings to the deity.

The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is a month of festivities of the Bharani asterism in the month of Aquarius to seven days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Pisces. Traditionally, the temple (especially during the Bharani festival) has been associated with animal sacrifices. The blood of the sacrificed used to be spilled over two stones in the prakaram(closed precincts of a temple), but these customs have been abolished in the 20th century.

TriprayarTemple

Triprayar Temple is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. Out of the four idols discovered by fisher men, the Sree Rama idol was the most important.In order to prevent any decline in the power of the idol on account of the change in its location Naranathu Bhranthan also arranged to install two goddesses on either side of the deity-Sree Devi on the right and Bhumi Devi on the left. Another legend says that it was Vilwamangalm Swamiyar who is associated with several temples of Kerala, installed the Sree Devi and Bhumi Devi images and shut the Western doors of the temple. One day Swamiyar reached this temple and offered prayers to Lord Rama.

Cochin

Kochi(colonial nameCochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquetQueen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as theGateway to Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel &amp; Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.

Day 15 : 8am : Shopping and Airport Travel : 50 km : 2 hours

Activities:Day 15 is reserved for shopping and packing. Leave to Airport in the afternoon. Tour Concludes : Thanks